Stancija San Antonio: organic extra virgin olive oils from Vodnjan

Stancija San Antonio farms 7,000 olive trees organically across 27 hectares and makes four single-varietal extra virgin olive oils and one blend. The olives are processed in its own mill, and visitors can compare the oils during a guided tasting arranged in advance.

The estate was founded in 2008, and the first olive trees were planted the following year. Part of today’s groves was restored from shoots taken from old, abandoned olive trees, preserving local varieties adapted to the soil around Vodnjan.

Four single-varietal oils to compare

Istarska Bjelica, Buža Ženska Vodnjanska, Karbonaca and Leccino are processed and bottled separately, while Mix San Antonio combines several varieties. Leccino is milder and fresher, Buža Ženska Vodnjanska is balanced with moderate bitterness, Karbonaca brings artichoke and herb aromas, and Istarska Bjelica has pronounced bitterness and pungency with notes of stone fruit and almond.

At BIOL 2025, Leccino, Karbonaca, Buža Ženska Vodnjanska and Mix San Antonio won Extra Gold medals, while Istarska Bjelica received Gold. Istarska Bjelica also won Gold at the 2026 NYIOOC. At the 2026 Zagreb Olive Festival, the estate’s multi-varietal oil scored 94.5 out of 100, placing second overall and first in the organic category.

Their own mill and a new processing line

The estate opened its own olive mill in 2014 and has used a new line with a capacity of up to five tonnes per hour since the 2024 harvest. Processing is mechanical and stays below 27 °C. Skins and pulp become fertiliser, the pits are used for heating, and the liquid fraction is dried and reused as fertiliser. The mill also accepts olives from other growers in lots as small as ten kilograms.

Guided tastings by prior arrangement

Products can be tasted before purchase. A guided tasting lasts around 60 minutes and explains the growing, processing and differences between the oils. Bookings are made by email; opening hours should also be confirmed before visiting because the schedule changes during the year.

Distance from Bale: 11 minutes driving (11.3 km)

Address: Giovanni A. della Zonca 35 A, 52215 Vodnjan, Istria, Croatia

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